Melissa enters her senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a 3.22 grade point average earned while enrolled in a rigorous Kinesiology/ Pre-Med program of studies. She aspires to become an emergency medical physician and a medical researcher.
In addition to her schoolwork, she is a research assistant in the Veterinary School. Her research with injured mice can help lead to treatments for muscular atrophy. She continues her related work during the summer as an emergency medical technician in Madison.
She volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County program. She also helps run the Hoofer Ski and Snowboard Club at the university. She directs the club’s Accessibility Program that provides downhill skiing opportunities for at-risk youth. The club advisor notes that “Melissa is a bright, passionate and caring individual. She is the perfect example of what good student leadership and dedication to an organization means.”